1990 BMW 735i

Following up on yesterday’s Audi S8, I’m reminded just how good the 1990s were for large executive sedans when considering this E32. Sure, the W126 S-Class led the way in the mid-80s, with BMW and Audi playing catch-up. But catch-up they did, with the unorthodox V8 quattro and sporty, luxurious E32 7-series. Both models were followed up with improved models, too – the E38 and D2 are as much fan-favorites (if not moreso) than their predecessors. And while I’m not as much of a die-hard fan of the 3-pointed star, universally the W140 is seen as a worthy successor to the legendary flagship at Mercedes-Benz, too. All around, it was hard to go wrong with these super-executives in the 90s.

While I did own a V8 quattro and pine over the innovative Ingolstadter, my formative driving years were spent with an E32 in the household. It was a great car; the Claus Luthe styling was refined and carried the size and weight of the new 7 much better than the E23 did. It was more potent, too, with the punchy 3.5 liter M30 rated at 208 horsepower, while you could go upscale to the new 5.0 V12 750i kicking out 295 horses. Both could be specified in long wheel base, too – something Audi did pull off with the V8 quattro, but not for the U.S. market.

Yet, like the Audis, the large BMWs don’t have quite the following or the market appeal of the Mercedes-Benz. Perhaps it’s because they’re more finicky, or that parts are harder to find. More likely, it was that they didn’t have quite the same ‘old money’ buyers originally and were more disposable than the inheritance-quality Benz models. Certainly it’s the case that in the economically hard times of the late 80s and early 90s, they just didn’t sell as well as the competition. Those factors combine to make finding one like today’s example extra special:

This beautiful 1990 BMW 735i sunroof has always been a California car, first sold through Weatherford BMW, Berkeley, California on 9/1/90. Accident free example retains the original Iceland Green Metallic paint and tan leather interior. Current mileage as of this writing is 126,910. Just easily passed California smog check on 11/16/17, and is ready for change of ownership.

Well maintained by previous owners, I have a folder full of receipts that will be passed along. Going through the receipts, I found the following: new water pump at 60,373 miles, remanufactured transmission at 67,887 miles, head gasket at 70,580 miles, brakes on 8/15/11, coolant expansion tank on 4/18/16. Just changed the oil and filter, new air filter, new spark plugs, and topped off all fluids before the recent smog check.

The car really drives nice and looks very sharp with the 16×8 German made BBS wheels and 225/50/16 Toyo Proxes 4 tires. As a added bonus, you will receive 2 extra 16×8 BBS wheels which are in the trunk.

Tan leather interior is very clean. Only some slight wear to the drivers seat from getting in and out. All the power accessories work good. All the electrics seem to work as they should. The only issue that the car has, is the display screen under the tach/ speedo reads “tail light”, and will not clear, but both tail lights are properly functioning. Not a big deal, just a bit annoying.

This car has a clean and clear California title in my name. Registration paid through September, 2018. All the original manuals, a complete set of Factory Service manuals on microfilm, tool kit, BBS center cap tool, 2 extra BBS 16×8 wheels, 3 original Huf keys including the limited access key, 1 recut key, smog certificate good for 90 days, and the history of the vehicle organized in a folder will all be included with the sale.

This 1990 BMW 735i is sold as is, where is. Local buyers are welcomed, or I will assist the shipping company of your choice with arrangements and pickup. The zip code here in Napa is 94559 if you need to estimate shipping. $500.00 deposit is required by PayPal immediately upon purchase of this BMW. Remaining balance must be paid within 7 business days. I will accept cashiers checks drawn from US banks or PayPal for payment of remaining funds due. Any questions about the car, feel free to give me a call at 707.690.2496 or email. Thanks for looking.

This particular 735i left the Dingolfing factory in March, 1990. Finished in IslandgrÃ¼n Metallic 273 over Natur leather 0231, it was modestly equipped with Servotronic (216), leather steering wheel (240), high brilliance aluminum trim (439), lumbar support (488), telephone prep (640) and CD prep (694). The highlight is, of course, the gold BBS RS wheels that were a dealer-installed option in the late 80s/early 90s. They were very pricey and I’ve only seen them equipped originally on 750s. It’s not clear if they’ve always been with the car, but they look the part and transform the 7 into a much more aggressive package. It won’t be for everyone, but wow does it look spot on to me!

This car, like the S8 from yesterday, also bucks the typical E32 trend of little history and deferred maintenance, with full records and a good bit of disclosed maintenance. It’s not perfect, admittedly – the rear bumper has a sizeable scuff I’d like to go at with the rotary buffer and some compound and the leather is showing its age with plenty of cracks. The headliner looks to be done, and like the one I grew up with there are some electrical gremlins that need sorting – hopefully, that doesn’t extend to the automatic climate control. But this E32 still impresses with its beautiful color combination and overall condition, and again like the D2 wows with its price. At a latte under $6,000, you could do a lot worse and while it will take just the right buyer, this 7 really looks like a solid deal to me.

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